The American Bully may look intimidating, but they are a companion breed that loves their family, bonds closely with them, and is affectionate towards them. They’re known to be bulky lap dogs. They tend to be confident dogs with a friendly nature and an energetic personality. Well-socialized, they tend to have a gentle demeanor and get along fantastically with children.

Provided they are properly socialized, American Bullies also tend to get along well with strangers, other dogs, and other animals. Any aggression towards humans or dogs, or shy or reserved behavior, is not characteristic of the breed. Should these behaviors appear in an American Bully, they are generally the result of poor socialization or poor training, which are common causes of aggression in dogs, and are not breed-related.

An American Bully is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They can do well in both larger homes and apartments as long as they get enough exercise. They do tend to be active indoors, but will be fine without a yard to run around in, as long as you can give them the activity they need every day.

As short-coated dogs without a lot of insulation, these dogs tend to prefer warmer climates. However, as a brachycephalic (snub-nosed or flat-faced) dog, they are very sensitive to heat. So, you will need to be cautious and watch them carefully as the temperatures rise.

When temperatures drop, they may need some help staying warm. Having the right mix of winter dog products on hand can be a big help when you have to venture out in the cold together. Because the American Bully is a social dog that thrives on attention from their family and bonds closely with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety.

As with any dog breed, there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. For the American Bully, these potential health concerns can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cleft palate, luxating patella, skin conditions, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and hypothyroidism.

Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of American Bully puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to talk to them about the genetic and health history of both parents. You can also ask about any relevant health tests or clearances that have been done.

Although the American Bully can get bored easily and can sometimes have a bulldog stubborn streak, they are a highly trainable dog that can be a good fit for first-time owners. These dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please their owners, so they tend to pick up on things quickly. Puppy training classes are still recommended, as these classes often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy, among other benefits.

The American Bully has a smooth, short coat that will shed moderately year-round. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath are all this dog’s coat needs to stay healthy and looking great. A rubber brush, a grooming glove, and a comb are good types of dog grooming brushes to have on hand. You can also do a quick wipe or rubdown with a towel or chamois between baths to freshen them up or just to give their coat a nice gleam.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your American Bully’s nails, ears, and teeth. Once or twice monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep nails from growing too long. But, you may need to cut your dog’s nails more often if they aren’t wearing down as much on their own, or if they just tend to grow quickly.

Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. You are checking to make sure your dog’s ears are clean, dry, and free of debris and pests. If you see redness, irritation, excess wax or moisture, or something else that is concerning, you know it’s time to visit the vet.

It’s also important to take care of your dog’s teeth. This is something many dog owners overlook, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. By practicing good dental care for dogs early and consistently throughout your dog’s life, you can help prevent dental diseases later in life. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. You can also talk to your vet about good options for dental hygiene chews and work with them to create a “dental care diet” for your pooch.

The American Bully has a moderate activity level. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this stocky dog. They also love having a job to do.

They may be up for more activity if you are, and they will love spending time with you being active. Just make sure you are practicing safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs, like working in short bursts and taking breaks, and keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not overexerting themselves!

A fully-grown American Bully usually stands somewhere between 13-21 inches tall and weighs 70-120 pounds, or more in some dogs.

Weight and height vary greatly within the breed because there are four categories for the American Bully: Pocket, Standard, Extra-Large (XL), and Classic.

Pocket American Bullies are essentially shorter Standard American Bullies. Males under 17 inches and at least 14 inches tall, and females under 16 inches and at least 13 inches tall when fully-grown, are considered Pocket American Bullies.

Standard American Bullies tend to be 16-20 inches tall. Males tend to be 17-20 inches tall, while females tend to be 16-19 inches tall. There isn’t a standard weight, but dogs should be proportional, even if they are bulky and heavily muscled.

Classic American Bullies are the same size range as Standard American Bullies, but tend to have lighter body frames and less overall body mass and weight than Standards.

XL (Extra-Large) American Bullies are essentially taller Standard American Bullies. XL American Bullies tend to be 20-23 inches tall. Males over 20 inches at the withers and females over 19 inches at the withers when fully-grown are considered XL American Bullies.

Although weight and height may vary between these categories, proper proportions are extremely important. Talking to the breeder and meeting the parents can give you an idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown American Bully.

An American Bully generally lives for 8-14 years on average.

In addition to the American Bully Kennel Club, the American Bully is also recognized by the American Canine Association, Inc., Dog Registry of America, Inc., Backwoods Bulldog Club, United Canine Association, United Kennel Club, and European Bully Kennel Club.